Sunday, January 15, 2006

Specter and Brownback raise spectre of impeachment, hypothetically

The statements indicate the Bush administration will not be able to count on full support from the 10 committee Republicans when the hearings begin in early February.

The judiciary committee also has eight Democrats, who have questioned the legality of the surveillance program.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, one of the Democratic members, reiterated her doubts Sunday, saying, "I do not believe it's true that the president's plenary power would allow him to simply avoid the law."

If a plenary power exists, that is the law.

When asked what could happen if lawmakers find Bush in violation of the law, Specter answered: "Impeachment is a remedy. After impeachment, you could have a criminal prosecution, but the principal remedy ... under our society is to pay a political price."

He made it a point to clarify, however, that he was speaking theoretically and was "not suggesting remotely that there's any basis" for a presidential impeachment at this moment.

About Me

That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach. (Aldous Huxley) / "Ummmm...how come you have to be so smart and funny too?" - Quark2 "Thanks, Mom!" - Chip / "The smell of forbidden grilling is coming from your house." - Soon to be heard all over Europe / "I appreciate your insights and the information you provide. In other words, I dig it." - ChicagoBlue "The wire transfer is already in Switzerland, ChicagoBlue." - Me / "One of the many ironic absurdities present in todays' world that your keen mind quickly catches..." - dustyroadguy "Irony, hypocrisy, and absurdity make the world go round." - Me